GCSE Product Design

The specification followed at GCSE level in Year 11 is provided by CCEA:

Revised GCSE First Teaching September 2009

Year 11

Unit 1 Core Examination Paper – 1hr (weighting 20%)

• You will be expected to answer questions based on the following areas: manufacturing, electronics, mechanical control systems, computer control systems, and pneumatic systems and control.

Unit 4 Controlled Design Assessment (weighting 20%)

Pupils will be required to produce a design portfolio.

•  This will be themed and is set by CCEA).
•  The portfolio must be 4 x A3 sheets plus materials research.
•  You will be awarded 8 hours supervised research time in class, where you should gather as much information as possible on materials, construction methods, existing products or anything else relevant.
• The research must be incorporated into the generation of your ideas to solve the design brief.

Themes:

Theme 1: Safe Cycling

Context: In recent years Safe Cycling has become an important issue. In an effort to reduce annual death tolls and injury rates on roads you are asked to undertake research and design into the use of “bicycle mirrors”.

Design Opportunity:

Design a bicycle mirror that will help make the cyclist more aware of rear view traffic and assist in safe cycling for all.  Develop your idea, considering the following factors:

Function, materials, compactness, assembly, attachment, ease· of use, aesthetics, manufacturing, safety.

Theme 2: Emergency LED light

Context: In situations of extreme weather conditions electrical power interruption is a reality in many cases. Power can also be interrupted when accidents happen or through a deliberate act of vandalism.

Design Opportunity:

Design an emergency LED light to be used in an emergency situation. The light should be wall mountable and detachable.  Develop your idea, considering the following factors:

Function, materials, compactness, assembly, attachment, ease· of use, aesthetics, manufacturing, safety.

Theme 3: Laptop support for a wheelchair user

Context: The internet has revolutionised how we communicate with each other.  Laptop computers with internet technology are now commonplace in both the home and work environments. Consider a wheelchair user; research and design a support that will ease the use of a laptop.

Design Opportunity:

Design a portable, compact and lightweight laptop support that can be attached to a wheelchair.  Develop your idea, considering the following factors:

Function, materials, compactness, assembly, attachment, ease of· use, aesthetics, manufacturing, safety.

 

Year 12

Unit 3 Product Design Examination Paper – 1 hr (weighting 20%)

• It comprises of designing and innovation, materials, components and fabrication, manufacturing practices and social responsibility of product design and market influences.

Unit 5 Controlled Assessment (weighting 40%)

• Candidates are required to complete a product and a portfolio based on the Product Design element of the course over 12 weeks (30hrs).
• CCEA will set the task which is worth 40% of GCSE and will be worked on during years 11 & 12. You will have to produce a 10 x A3 page portfolio.
• Manufacture a Product / Model.

 

Themes

Theme 1: Technological advances have led to an increased amount of leisure time.  Design and make a product or system which will promote leisure activity.

Theme 2: Exercise is important for healthy living. Design a product or system that will be used to promote a healthy teenage lifestyle.

Theme 3: Many young children can benefit from activity products. Design a product or system that will be of educational value to a child with learning difficulties.

Theme 4: The manager of the local supermarket has decided to introduce a display for the entertainments section of the store.

Design and make a display which:-

• Should be interesting to all ages and attract potential customers;

• Portable so that it can be positioned in different parts of the store.